Table Of Contents

Introduction

A Connecticut Bed and Breakfast Inn. The Captain Stannard House, abundant in history, charm, and space, is located on the Connecticut Shoreline in Westbrook. We offer nine beautifully appointed guest rooms with queen beds and private baths. A delicious two-course breakfast is included in your room rate. We can accommodate large groups of people for several days. Our warm and inviting Dining Room can seat 34 comfortably. Stroll down to the beach one block away. Take a chance at the casinos. Visit the wineries. Shop for hours. We have coupons for two Premium outlets with 126 stores nearby. Indulge in one of our packages or specials. Relax. Take the train, we'll pick you up. Let us be your home-away-from home. We welcome you to our beautiful Inn.

"What a wonderful Inn!! Everywhere we turn, there is more beauty. The charm, warmth, and the special serenity of the Captain Stannard House remains and grows. Oh what a joyful feeling." ~ Vern and Lee

In a place where salt water from the ocean mixes with fresh water from the rivers and land, Captain Elbert Stannard build his home in Westbrook Connecticut c. 1872

The Captain Stannard House, a Connecticut Bed and Breakfast, has charmed and welcomed local residents and out-of-town guests for over 100 years as the Saint Charles Inn, Olde English Tavern, Menunketesuck Inn, Holly's Barn Dance Hall, Kingsley Hall, an antique store, private residences, and currently as the Captain Stannard House Bed and Breakfast Country Inn of Westbrook CT.

Found just off Boston Post Road in4and Breakfast Country Inn is the Connecticut Shoreline Inn of Choice for private getaways and special occasions. Our spacious common areas, lovely gardens, peaceful dining room, and charming guest rooms were designed to provide the relaxing, rejuvenating vacation you deserve.

Located along the Shoreline midway between New York City and Boston, and only one hour from Hartford, with tons of local attractions both on the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, the Captain Stannard House Bed and Breakfast Country Inn is the perfect place to stay!

Let us be your home away from home.

On the Connecticut Shoreline near Clinton, Madison, Old Saybrook, Essex, and Mystic CT this Westbrook Bed and Breakfast is halfway between Boston MA and Manhattan NY. Nearby activities include ~ Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos ~ shopping at Clinton Crossing, Tanger Outlets and the Mystic Factory Outlets ~ wine tasting and tours at Chamard Vineyard and others vineyards on the Connecticut Wine trail. Nearby museums include the Shoreline Trolley Museum, the Museums of Yale University, Connecticut River Museum, and the Florence Griswold Museum. Local theatres are Goodspeed Opera House, Long Wharf Theater, and the Yale Repertory Theater. Other attractions just a short ride from the Inn are The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride, Gillette Castle State Park, Hammonasset Beach State Park, and Thimble Islands Cruises. Aside from many local restaurants, the area offers biking, kayaking, hiking, touring and swimming. This New England Country Inn, the Inn of Choice, is an excellent getaway providing luxurious accommodations and many amenities.

The Captain Stannard House Bed and Breakfast Country Inn in Westbrook CT is the perfect destination in every season. It is the ideal atmosphere to explore spring love, one charming block from the beach in summer, the perfect setting to experience autumn in New England, and ideal for a romantic winter getaway.

Enjoy the quiet, uncluttered space of our Inn as travelers and friends have for over 135 years. Our spacious and welcoming common areas provide the perfect atmosphere to make new friends over a cup of coffee or game of chess. After a stay with us, you will have found your own home away from home on the Connecticut Shoreline.

The Inn offers 3200 sq. ft. and invites you to socialize among a large group and to have no worries about the weather or need to go anywhere else. The space is a converted barn with high ceilings and lots of New England charm that was brought onto the estate in the 1930's and used as the town dance hall.

Our custom built 1000 sq. ft. South Porch offers hand-hewn, steamed, woven lattice artwork as well as a very unique hardwood floor with a natural warm, rich walnut color - environmentally safe. In addition, the porch offers high ceilings with fans, several sitting areas including a 10 ft. picnic table, wicker rockers with unique side tables and an unusual slatted Teak table and chairs. Gracious 12 ft. wide steps lead to the hand-wrought iron rail, Gazebo, gardens and South lawn. Particularly lovely in May through October.

Gathering Rooms

Love seats and upholstered high back chairs, perfect for conversation. ..reading by the beautiful brick and stone fireplace. A regulation-size pool table invites you to linger and enjoy a game or two. Stop for a refreshment available in our daily stocked mini-fridge located alongside our bar. Glasses, napkins, mugs, wine openers, homemade cookies are always on board. Multi-CD player with a generous selection of a wide variety of music. Armoire filled with board games and puzzles.

Comfortable seating on couches, television, game table, on-going jigsaw puzzle table, love letter desk and a full size guest refrigerator. French doors close for privacy in this smaller gathering room. It offers a television, comfy couch and chairs, large desk and PC station with laptop, printer, fax, and copier. The Inn has complimentary WiFi throughout.

Dining Room

Boasts an outstanding fieldstone Fireplace with nine tables and comfortable seating for up to 35 people. This is a grand and welcoming room with a charming stone hearth and a baby grand piano that is available should you wish to have a pianist (or play yourself). Extended breakfast tables, picnics, lobster bakes, dinners and soirees for group stays can be arranged for your enjoyment for a modest fee.

We just wanted to thank you again for making our stay at your B&B this past weekend so wonderful! All of our family couldn't say enough good things about the accommodations & how well it worked out for all of us to stay there together. It was so great to be able to hang out together in the common areas that would have not been possible in a motel. The breakfasts you prepared were all delicious & we really appreciated all the "extras" that you provided for our stay (i.e. snacks in the room, stocked mini-fridge, etc.). We really felt like we were staying in the home of friends. Thanks again for everything." ~ Bill, Karen, and Corey

Take over our nine guest rooms which includes a delicious full breakfast each morning. Linger by the fire with your morning coffee or evening glass of wine. Play a game of pool on our regulation pool table. Choose a board game from our huge selection in the Armoire. Chess anyone? Table for two awaits you. Set the mood...multi CD player has a wonderful variety of CDs. Refresh yourself. There is a stocked mini-fridge near the bar.

Come. We have it all. What a great time you'll have! Give us a call at 860-399-4634 or email us at stay@stannardhouse.com for more details.

We serve afternoon treats of delicious home made cookies or tea breads and home made mulled cider or cold beverages.

Available for a small fee:

Box lunches

Catered lunch or dinner - we have many referrals

Extended breakfast table

Invite nearby friends and family to join you for breakfast

In-house massage

Love you! compliment

Transport to/from train and airport

South Porch

Our custom built 1000 sq. ft. South Porch offers hand-hewn, steamed, woven lattice artwork as well as a very unique hardwood floor with a natural warm, rich walnut color - environmentally safe. In addition, the porch offers high ceilings with fans, several sitting areas including a 10 ft. picnic table, wicker rockers with unique side tables and an unusual slatted Teak table and chairs. Gracious 12 ft. wide steps lead to the hand-wrought iron rail, Gazebo, gardens and South lawn. Particularly lovely May through October.

Indoor Social Space

The Inn offers 3200 sq. ft. and invites you to socialize among a large group and have no worries about the weather or need to go anywhere else. The space is a converted barn with high ceilings and lots of old New England charm that was brought onto the estate in the 1930s and used as the town dance hall.

Dining Room

Boasts an outstanding fieldstone Fireplace with nine tables and comfortable seating for up to 35 people. This is a grand and welcoming room with a charming stone hearth and a baby grand piano that is available should you wish to have a pianist (or play yourself). Extended breakfast tables, picnics, lobster bakes, dinners and soirees for group stays can be arranged for your enjoyment for a modest fee.

Captain's Room

Great Room

Love seats and upholstered high back chairs, perfect for conversation ...reading by the beautiful brick and stone fireplace. A regulation-size pool table invites you to linger and enjoy a game or two. Stop for a refreshment available in our daily stocked mini-fridge located alongside our bar. Glasses, napkins, mugs, wine openers, homemade cookies are always on board. Multi-CD player with a generous selection of a wide variety of music. Armoire filled with board games and puzzles.

Business Office

French doors close for privacy in this smaller gathering room. It offers a television, comfy couch and chairs, large desk and PC station with laptop, printer, fax, and copier. The Inn has complimentary WiFi throughout.

Dressing Room

For special occasions - with a vanity, a full-length mirror and antique chair.

Group Reservations

Include up to nine private guest rooms, two-course full breakfast, full use of the Inn, indoor and out, daily room refreshing and stocked mini-fridge in our Great Room for a modest rate. Please call for more information. We'll look forward to welcoming you.

Summary

Group reservations include: up to nine private guestrooms/baths, full candlelit breakfasts each morning, complimentary Perrier and snacks, full use of the facilities, indoor and out, daily room refreshing and stocked mini-fridge for a very reasonable rate.

I Love You More Vow Renewal

Some people just get it right from the beginning. Want her to know you love her now as you did then... want him to know you can’t imagine growing old without him. Come, celebrate again at the Captain Stannard House. Let us take care of everything. You need only arrive hand-in-hand.

Have the most fun possible in a short amount of time. Perhaps take over the nearby spa for a day of pampering or plan an unforgettable warm weather adventure such as a hot air balloon ride, a spring or fall windjammer sail, or a winter a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Day II - Afternoon & Evening

A wonderful time for tea on the porch or by the hearth, followed by a nap or a game of pool or touch football on the South Lawn before dinner.

Rehearsal Dinner is the perfect opportunity for the groom's family to really take advantage of staying at the Inn and host the Rehearsal Dinner right here. Casually elegant and oh, so convenient, you set the tone and we will assist you in every way. We have excellent caterers and private drivers for the safety of un-registered guests. Additional costs.

Day III - Wedding Day

THE day!
Relish the quiet time over coffee and another two-course candlelit breakfast.

Watch the preparations transform the Inn! This will best be down under the competent care of our event coordinator should you choose to have more than 35 people. Additional costs.

Reserve time at a nearby spa or salon for hair, makeup, and a chair massage. Tell everyone how much they mean to you.

Dress in Lydia's Slipper with the best light, an antique dressing table with full-length mirror and an antique "throne" for mom, dad, the best man or maid of honor.

When you're ready... The CSH Signature Grand Piano Wedding March...

Day IV - Morning

Savor the love, commitment, time and effort everyone made to be here for you. Because you have the entire Inn for the weekend, you may invite whomever you wish to join you for Wedding Brunch coffee at 8:00 AM and a full two-course candlelit breakfast at 9:00 AM. Modest charge for non-registered guests.

Day IV - Afternoon & Evening

Reunion. The times that family and friends gather for the most important occasions are rare and precious. Consider taking the rest of the day to reconnect with loved ones. Really catch up. Tell stories. Let emotions shine. Laugh 'til your sides hurt. Cry if you need to. Have a New England Clambake on paper plates. Hug before and after. Whisper into the night.

Day V - Morning

Wake happy and ready for the first day of your new life. After breakfast, take the back roads home, retelling stories and relishing memories.

Inn's History

The Captain Stannard House is one of the most distinguished properties along the CT shoreline and an excellent example of the early New England tradition of combining two or more buildings that have subsequently beheld more than a century of history and service to the community! The Governor even attended the Centennial Ball here. There are some wonderful photographs in the Study.

Safe Harbor

1872 Land from Holiday to Stannard

Captain Elbert Stannard built the manor house as his private residence with classic formal lines, moldings, and proportions. Two of his most personal touches are the cupola, where his bride, Harriet, could go to search the sea for signs of her husband’s return; and the newel post made to resemble a ship’s capstan. A capstan is a windlass rotated in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis that is used on ships for weighing anchor or raising heavy sails. Thus, the capstan newel post is a symbol of anchoring the home while readying for the future.

Photograph of hotel and seafood restaurant named after Warner Hollister. We have a menu and a ticket to a “Modern & Old Fashion Dance at Holly’s Barn, November 30th, 1933 ”

Sometime after 1931 a barn, c 1850 was brought onto the property and sited within 12 feet of the back of the house. True to its nature, the barn space is open and more rustic. The photo shows it to be plain and simple at the time. The two structures were then united by a third. Here, the space is mixed.
1945 Waters to Bond // 1949 Bond to Sollins

A second floor was installed in the barn. Up to 15 workers of Hahn’s Resort, now Waters Edge, bunked there.

Auntie Mame

1959 Sollins to Kabatznick

Our friend, Sandy, was married in the front parlor by Evelyn Kabatznick, Justice of the Peace, who sounds more like Auntie Mame. Evidently she made quite a dramatic entrance positively fluttering down the main stairway in a flowing gown.

Two of her daughters have revisited and told stories that make Auntie Mame seem rather conservative compared to their mother. They told of living only in the manor house in the winter and only in the unheated barn in the summer. They spoke of their mother’s open invitation to “special friends” and anyone willing to pay – including muster armies, boy scouts, and men dressed in black suits who played cards until the morning hours.

One of the daughters remembers looking over the balcony in the barn watching as her mother taught ballroom dancing. The ballroom was two stories high with huge windows. We now use the ground floor as the Inn Dining Room and the upstairs for guestrooms and baths.

Trouble Times

c. 1968 Kabatznick to Westbrook Educational Foundation, Inc

This was an unfortunate time for the original Stannard homestead. First, according to one of the Kabatznick daughters, the foundation removed the gorgeous three-sided front porch! There are pieces of the fenestration in the basement. Then…

1971 Fire!

Another guest, a resident student at Kingsley Hall at the time, told us about the great fire. Some of the students decided to light a fire in one of the sealed hearths and a terrible fire ensued.

The building barely survived. The entire east attic wall is still covered in soot and two parts of the blown-out chimney are hidden behind walls and in the basement.

The second story in the barn was extended over the ballroom. It is believed that this was after Kingsley Hall because stories say that the barn was used by the school as a gymnasium and as a theatre.

1972 – 1973
Town of Westbrook purchased the damaged property with a plan to raze the damaged building and construct a library in its place. This never happened, though the reasons are not known. Records indicates that the property was purchased privately.
c. 1976 Planeta to Wood-Thomas

1976
Variance for rental of three rooms, noting that the property had been used in this capacity for many years.

1977 – 1985
Restoration of house; fire damage repaired. Evidently, the fire damage on the east side of the main house was so great that the wood siding could not be repaired. Instead, aluminum siding was affixed.
1977 Wood-Thomas to Barnett
Captain Stannard House Bed and Breakfast Country Inn
1977 Variance for the sale of antiques & sign

We have a newspaper article and a brochure with pictures of the Barnetts and the Antique Store.

White Elephant

Purchased as a primary residence and re-opened as a Bed and Breakfast, Country Inn—on weekends with two full-time careers and two children!
1993 Variance for party and banquet facilities

2004 Mettin/ Willman to Brewster

The Tradition Continues

Renovation & Restoration

The entire property needed a major overhaul: gardens and some new, some restorative, construction. Because of the history, the value to the community, various past uses, and state of fatigue, the Captain Stannard House got a Great Plan focused on safety, function, value, style and beauty.

Work proceeded every day for more than a year, as soon as the last guest arose until check-in time when everything had to be spotless. The before and after pictures are hard to believe.

Exposure

Four hidden stairways, a tiny room, and an unconnected, large and beautifully constructed cistern were uncovered in the process.

Disclosure

The housewright did a masterful job but it was his crew who told a story to think about in the middle of the night. While inspecting the roof before the Brewster's took occupancy, one of the men saw a woman wiping the windows of the cupola. Returning to the kitchen, he mentioned that he had seen one of the owners cleaning the windows and wondered how she got all the way down to the kitchen so quickly. Her response was matter-of-fact. She had not been in the cupola or the attic. The woman must have been Lydia!

Lydia is the most notable apparition of the six spirits that reputedly reside in the Inn. Her benign countenance is described as tall, slim, and lovely, very similar to the image of the tall woman in the photo of the St. Charles Inn from the beginning of the 20th century. She exudes a peaceful serenity that permeates both the Captain’s House and the Inn. There are three Lydia's in the Stannard ancestry: 1) Lydia Bushnell Post c.1700; 2) Lydia Post Magna born 1790, died 1861, sister of Elbert’s mother, Dency Post Stannard; 3) Lydia Peabody, daughter of Elizabeth Alden William Peabody, granddaughter of and Priscilla Mullins and John Alden of the Mayflower.

The other spirits have been depicted as a young girl from the late 1800’s or early 1900’s; and four men, one a sailor from long ago, and one a gentleman who passed away here in the 1950’s. Numerous guests have told stories at breakfast that someone knocked on their guestroom door but when they opened the door no one was there. The knocking is described as having an unfamiliar, but definite cadence. Some guests have reported footsteps in the attic; or banging overhead in the garden rooms. (There is no attic over the garden rooms.) One guest felt goose bumps each time she passed a certain section of the hall and is positive that a spirit was in that space at that time.

Where's Waldo?

We had a lot of fun during this hectic time. For instance, when we removed the window awnings, the house revealed its gorgeous window lines and trim. So we hired 17 men for three weeks to grind, repair, and paint the manor house. They, too, saw “shadows.”

We sent the following picture entitled “Where’s Waldo?” to our friends and family…

In 2006, 26 painters removed ceilings, sanded, primed and painted 34 rooms in historically accurate colors. The winter 2007 projects were refurbishing the Great Room, the Study, the Captain’s Room and stenciling appropriate to New England coastline heritage.

Capstan: Anchored in History, Sailing into the Future

Although there was a William Brewster on the Mayflower, we have not researched our own genealogy. We have researched the Stannard family back to John Alden and Priscilla Mullins of the Mayflower and have named some of the guest rooms in their honor.